JOHN BURROWS FROM CRESWELL SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF YOUNG GIRLS IN DERBY

In October 2021, a disturbing case emerged involving John Burrows, a 73-year-old former soldier from Creswell, who was convicted of sexually abusing two young girls. The heinous acts took place in Creswell, where Burrows, who had previously led a life marked by service in the Army and dedication to his family, committed these grave offenses.

During the proceedings at Derby Crown Court, it was revealed that Burrows had subjected the victims to a series of horrific acts, including touching one girl on her private parts and indecently exposing himself. The court heard that the abuse began when both girls were under the age of sexual consent, and it persisted over a period of time before the victims finally found the courage to come forward in 2019.

Prosecutor Gary Short detailed the extent of the abuse, stating that Burrows rubbed his groin against one victim, touched her breasts, and also inappropriately touched the second girl’s private areas. At one point, he reportedly told one of the victims, “let’s have a play,” a phrase that underscored the predatory nature of his actions. The court was told that Burrows’s behavior was not only shameful but also deeply damaging to the victims’ mental health.

In a victim impact statement, one of the girls expressed ongoing emotional struggles, revealing that she “always thinks ‘why me?’” and is currently taking antidepressants to manage her trauma. She also shared that her ability to maintain relationships has been severely affected, explaining, “I can’t have a relationship because I get flashbacks and my ex-partner finished with me because of this, every time he touched me I cried.”

Burrows, who resides on Manse Avenue in Creswell, pleaded guilty to multiple counts of sexual assault. When arrested in 2019, he reportedly admitted to the offenses, stating, “I am going to tell the truth, I touched her.”

In sentencing, Recorder Adrian Reynolds emphasized that Burrows had led a seemingly positive life prior to these crimes, including a long military career and caring for his ailing wife until her death in 2015. However, the judge condemned his actions, highlighting the stark contrast between his previous life and the harm he inflicted on his victims. The judge stated, “You took advantage of them shamelessly and blinded yourself to the harm you inflicted. You have shown no empathy for those girls at all. You sank into an absolute pit in your later life.”

As part of his punishment, Burrows was sentenced to eight years in prison. Additionally, he was handed a lifetime sexual harm prevention order and was placed on the sex offender register for life, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions to protect others from potential harm in the future.